Sri Vasantha Sai was born in the remote South Indian village of Vadakampatti in Tamil Nadu. She, who the sacred Naadi texts have repeatedly called ‘the other half of God’ describes herself as ‘I without i ‘. Like the sacred Ganges, her love for God is inundating the earth, filling the hearts of every man, woman and child. She proclaims the highest truth for all to hear, “Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the avatar of the age is here. Come, Come, free yourself from the cycle of birth and death".

Amma read ‘Sathyam Sivam Sundaram’ in 1974 from the local village library. She had her first darshan of Swami in Madurai in 1984. In 1985, Lord Krishna gave Darshan to her and said, “I and Sai are one. Go and see Him in Puttaparthi.”

Amma wrote thousands of songs on Krishna before she came to know about Swami. She wrote many un-posted letters to Krishna expressing her feelings of devotion. After she came to know about Swami, Amma began to write poems and songs on Swami. She wrote letters to Swami on the 23rd of each month. When Swami began to speak with her in meditation, Amma recorded the conversations in her daily diary. In 1997, by Swami’s will, Amma published her first book using the contents of her diaries. Swami signed the manuscript of this book, ‘Liberation Here itself! Right Now!’ Following this, Amma has written about sixty books.

Amma says that she has learnt lessons from all – from a worm to Brahma. So she wants to repay her debt of gratitude to all. Universal Liberation is her Guru Dakshina. Amma wants everyone to enjoy union with God, saying, “If I alone enjoy, it is like stolen property.” She says, “Mukthi is your birthright. Every moment of your life is an opportunity to be with God."

YES. Yath Bhavam Tat bhavathi (as you think, so it becomes). Amma’s penance for Universal Liberation has taken the form of Mukthi Nilayam, the place where Amma resides. It is the abode of liberation. Those who are here, live in constant thoughts of God, doing His work, thus setting an example for all. The vibrations emerging from this sacred place have the power to change and transform the world so all can enjoy the Mukthi state wherever they are.

From a very young age, Amma was in the habit of connecting all that she saw with God. For example, if she saw a door, she would immediately think ‘it is a door to heaven’. If she saw a window, she would think ‘this is the heart window through which I can see the Lord’. Like this, she looked for the spiritual significance or connotations in everyday life and in common household routines. As she swept the floor, she would think it is the path of her Lord and as she made a dosa, she would see it as the chakra of Lord Vishnu! Thus, when we connect everything with God, it gives us divine happiness because the Lord is in that object and we have connected with Him.

Amma was born into a family where all had deep devotional fervor. Her father was a freedom fighter and a follower of Gandhi. He studied and practiced the teachings of Bhagavad Gita in daily life. Amma’s mother had a fiery devotion for Lord Krishna. Amma grew up listening to the stories of Meera, Andal and other saints. Stories of Andal inspired Amma the most. She wanted to marry God like Andal and merge into Him along with her physical body.

As a child, Amma had the fear of old age, disease and death. She did not want to suffer these. As she grew up, a strong conviction was born in her, “This body should not age, it should not fall a prey to earth. The only sure way to escape old age, disease and death is to catch hold of God.” With these thoughts, she firmly set foot on the divine path. She followed a very disciplined life. She took many vows and practiced many austerities. She stopped wearing jewelry, costly saris, going to cinema etc. She read many spiritual books and epics. The flame of devotion burnt her as she spent sleepless nights and days in her intense longing for God. She wrote thousands of songs and poems on Lord Krishna. The Lord responded to her incessant calls and she had His darshan many times.

In 1985, Lord Krishna revealed, “I am in Puttaparthi as Sathya Sai Baba.” From then onwards, Amma poured her devotion on Swami, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. She used to write letters to Swami addressing Him as Mother Sai. Slowly, as Amma’s sadhana grew more intense, Swami turned her attention towards the suffering humanity. Her love and motherly compassion became a salve for those who were seeking relief from diseases and problems. Finally, Amma obtained the boon of ‘Universal Liberation’ as the permanent solution for all suffering. From then till now, Universal Liberation has been Amma’s selfless prayer for the well being of mankind. The Mukthi Stupi in Mukthi Nilayam stands tall proclaiming this truth to the world.

Prema Vahini

Prema Vahini is the monthly e-Newsletter (PDF) from Mukthi Nilayam. It will be released on the 23rd of every month through this website.